My England team to start in 2012

For my last blog of the year i decided to think about next year and in particular about who, in my opinion, may be sporting the red rose on 4^th February in England’s opener at Murrayfield.

1. Joe Marler – A lot of people have been calling for Marler’s inclusion in the England side for some time and I think his chance has come. His ability to get over the gain line, work rate and hands are class. As well as this he is a solid scrummager and great in the tight.

Age: 21 Caps: 0

2. Dylan Hartley – Lost his place just before the RWC and has taken his fair share of criticism in the last few months. But it wasn’t all that long ago he was being tipped as the next England captain. I think Hartley has a big part to play in England’s 2015 campaign – some tough competition from a few quality young hookers should push him.
Age:25 Caps: 34

3. Dan Cole – Dan Cole had a decent RWC and is looking in good nick whenever he gets a game at Leicester. He has a great mentor in Castro, and already looks like a senior player amongst many of his peers.
Age: 24 Caps: 23

4. Courtney Lawes – Lawes did not impress me at the RWC but I can’t help but feel England would be missing out if he wasn’t in the side. His defence and work in the tight is top class – I would just like to see him running a channel wider in the loose and smashing the ball up at pace.
Age: 22 Caps: 13

5. Dave Attwood – A key man for Bath this season and always a top performer at Gloucester, if Attwood can stay injury free he should have a long international career ahead of him.
Age: 24 Caps: 2

6. Chris Robshaw (Captain) – In my opinion, Robshaw is the man to spearhead a new generation. He has shown how he can lead from the front with Quins this season, and his performances have been as consistent as the Quins results. His ability to play across the back row is a bonus.
Age: 25 Caps: 1

7. Tom Wood – Wood was one of the few players at the RWC to come out with an enhanced reputation, despite getting so little game time. Glowing reports of his commitment in training show that he is the kind of flanker England need. Not afraid to get stuck in – as he showed against Leicester.
Age:  25 Caps: 9

8. Phil Dowson – Dowson is another who has been unlucky to miss out on full international caps despite constantly impressing at Northampton and Saxons. If Lancaster is to bring players with him from the Saxons, Dowson will be one of the first on his list.
Age: 30 Caps: 0

9. Danny Care – Care would have been devastated to have missed out on the RWC through injury but may be in a stronger position now to take his place at 9 as neither Youngs or Wigglesworth cemented themselves. I would like to see Care given a chance as at his best he is as good as any.
Age: 24 Caps: 32

10. Toby Flood – With Jonny Wilkinson stepping down yesterday from the international game, the door has finally opened for Flood to cement his place at fly half. He has shown his ability to bring those around him into the game and to run the line at the very top level, he just needs the faith of the new coaching team and an extended run in the role.
Age:  26 Caps: 46

11. Charlie Sharples – One of the most unlucky players, who has done all that he can to get selected. His pace and ability to finish are second to none. At a time when there are a number of great wingers in the English game, Sharples just edges it for me over Strettle.
Age: 22 Caps: 1

12. Owen Farrell – It is only a matter of time until Owen Farrell makes an impact on the international game. I feel that his time has come – his inclusion also provides cover at 10. With the guidance of his dad, Farrell could be a key part of this team going forward.
Age: 20 Caps: 0

13. Manu Tuilagi – It seems funny to think that 6 months ago the jury was out on Tuilagi, many saying that he didn’t have the defensive discipline or enough experience for test rugby, now he was one of the first names on my team sheet. With Flood and Farrell bringing him onto the ball at pace, he could cause some serious damage.
Age: 20 Caps: 7

14. Chris Ashton – Ashton didn’t have the best world cup but is still a great finisher, if he can get enough ball he will score tries.
Age: 24 Caps: 18

15. Ben Foden – A lot of pressure from the likes of Homer, Armitage and Brown as well as Alex Goode. But Foden has not made many mistakes for England and will often produce a moment of brilliance. He deserves to keep his spot.

Age: 26 Caps: 22

16. Joe Gray
Age: 23 Caps: 0

17. Alex Corbisiero
Age: 23 Caps: 10

18. Matt Stevens
Age: 29 Caps: 39

19. Tom Palmer
Age: 32 Caps: 33

20. Tom Croft
Age: 26 Caps: 31

21. Joe Simpson
Age: 23 Caps: 1

22. Henry Trinder
Age: 22 Caps: 0

23. Alex Goode
Age: 23 Caps: 0

No of starting XV in starting XV RWC defeat against France: 5
No of total squad in RWC squad: 13
No of uncapped players in squad: 6
Average Age of first XV: 23.9
Average Age of squad: 25.4

I feel that this is a side that has everything, looking at the player's ages, most would be hitting their peak mid-late twenties in 2015. There are a few uncapped players and a few others who are relatively untested at international level, however I feel that the mix is right and could make for a great side.

What are your thoughts on the side, who would you pick?!

Until next year,

Andy

My Premiership XV so far

With ten games played in the Aviva Premiership this season, and another European break upon us, I have put together my Premiership XV so far this season. Including four Quins players, two from Wasps and Sale and seven other clubs featured, I think it looks quite strong. Let me know your thoughts.

1 – Marcos Ayerza (Leicester) – The Tigers haven’t lost in four. No coincidence that this has coincided with their big players returning from New Zealand. They don’t come much bigger than Ayerza, who loves a scrum! He has been solid as ever, and the tigers can breathe easier with him in their number 1 jersey.

2 – Joe Gray (Harlequins) - Having seen a number of Joe Gray’s performances over the season, he does very little wrong. Always getting over the gain line, and hitting most of his lineouts. A quality player with a big future.

3 – Henry Thomas (Sale) – The England U20 prop has been fantastic for Sale this season. Great around the park, Thomas is the modern prop personified. He carries well and has picked up a few tries, always a nice bonus for a tight head.

4 – Marco Wentzel (Wasps) – A towering presence for Wasps this season. Wentzel has shown fantastic nouse in the lineout and made his presence felt in the tight.

5 – Dave Attwood (Bath) – Unfortunate to miss out on the RWC, but has flourished at Bath. A great purchase over the summer and must be in England’s plans for the Six Nations. Good in the loose and has picked up a few important tries as well.

6 – Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, Captain) – The first name on my team sheet, not only here but for my England side. The way he has lead Quins from the front has been remarkable. A great team around him but his solid defence, dogged work at the breakdown and neat touches in the loose have all been exceptional. Could have played him anywhere in the back row.  

7 – Luke Wallace (Harlequins) – Wallace has grabbed his chance in the Quins back row with both hands. Quins’ defence has been very strong all season and Wallace has been at the heart of this. Countless turnovers and tackles as well as picking up 4 tries to boot.

8 – Richard Baxter (Exeter) – Exeter are sitting 3^rd in the league, granted they are only 6 points clear of Bath in 10^th, but they wouldn’t be in the mixer in December if it wasn’t for their ever present number 8. Baxter has got tries in the vital wins at Welford Road & Edgeley Park as well as being a constant carrying and defensive force for the Chiefs.

9 – Dwayne Peel (Sale) – With so many young scrum halves in the Premiership it may seem strange to choose an old timer! But I have always been a massive Dwayne Peel fan – I think he is a quality scrum half with the ability to change a game and an insatiable appetite to win. Part of a Sale team showing they have what it takes this season. Has picked up a few cheeky tries as well this year.

10 – Nick Evans (Harlequins) – A no-brainer for me, the best 10 in the Premiership this year. Evans rarely makes a mistake and more often than not will produce a moment of brilliance when needed. Ryan Lamb has had a resurgence in a Saints shirt this season and Ignacio Mieres has impressed at Exeter but it’s all about Evans at the moment.

11 – Christian Wade (Wasps) – Wasps’ backline has so much potential with the likes of Varndell & Elliot Daly running at pace and utilising Flutey and Waldouck’s skill in the midfield. But it has been the Premiership’s top try scorer Christian Wade who has stolen the headlines. Great feet and raw pace, if Wasps can get some quick ball we will be sure to see more of Wade.

12 – Owen Farrell (Saracens) – Started at 10, 12 and 13 for Sarries this season and shown that he is more than capable in any of these roles. I would like to see him given a chance at 12 for England and am confident we will get a look at him in the Six Nations.

13 – Tom May (Northampton) – May has impressed on his return to the Premiership and once again shown that he is a quality utility back. He has slotted nicely into Northampton’s midfield, running some great lines off Lamb. A top all round footballer with the ability to take the ball up or spread it wide.

14 – Luke Fielden (Newcastle) – Newcastle may be sitting bottom of the pile, but would be struggling even more if it wasn’t for their right wing. Fielden impressed on the sevens circuit and has been a key part of the Falcons’ side when it has functioned this season.

15 – Tom Homer (London Irish) – Mike Brown fans will be livid, but I had to recognise Homer’s goal kicking talent. The man is a kicking machine. Irish have picked up a losing bonus point in every game that they have lost. I put this down to Homer’s ability to kick goals from almost anywhere with consummate ease. Sale’s Rob Miller has also shown he is a top talent.

On a completely separate note - anyone who hasn't seen this should watch it! - It's Quality!

Andy

English Rugby - A focus on the positives

Taking the positives out of negative situation is very English and an old managerial cliché – but one which I feel should be in the minds of those involved in the future of English rugby.

The leak of the confidential post world cup report has brought some issues into the public domain, and although these problems may have existed for some time, they can no longer be ignored. There will undoubtedly be wholesale changes at all levels of the England set up. Instead of thinking about the negatives, I for one am keen to look at all of the opportunities that may be created out of it.

• Young players

Whilst senior players have taken the brunt of the criticism, many of the young players have come out of it relatively well. There are a number of players who have stood up to be counted and have enhanced their reputations, the reports of young players training hard and having a professional mentality is very positive. Hopefully some of the young guys coming through will see what has happened at the World Cup and in the aftermath and this will make them focus. The players coming through the ranks know that they need to knuckle down if they are to be considered seriously.

• Time to play the wildcard

With a new board, new management and new coaching staff, I would imagine that there may be a bit of a clearing out of the team sheet. I look at it like playing a wildcard in fantasy football. Many of the players will retain their places but let’s hope there is space for some of the form players. Let’s see Strettle, Wade & Sharples in the Six Nations, and give Owen Farrell a chance in the centres. If Robshaw and Wood are really playing as well in the camp as they are on the pitch for their club – maybe we will start seeing them in an England jersey. There has been too much debating as to why those who are playing well are not in the frame when it comes to big test matches.

• Cutthroat coaching methods

Hopefully a new team manager will not bring preconceptions with them. Successful coaches have shown that it is not always about playing the big names or the big personalities, but basing the team sheet on form. Quins changed their captain to Robshaw and have since dropped Skinner to the bench as other players took their chances, traditionally I feel there has been too much of a feeling in the England set up that players who came in were filling in. It’s a harsh game – injuries and suspensions present a chance for another player to get a real shot – if they impress they should keep that spot, until they are no longer the number one. Players can not feel that they are in possession of the jersey, there is just too much talent waiting in the wings.

• New captain

Ironically, the squad needs a Martin Johnson at the helm, a leader on the pitch. Thierry Dusautoir led a disharmonious French side to within a point of the World Cup. There are a number of candidates and only those inside the camp will know who is the man for the job. It has to be someone who can take on the huge responsibility of picking up the pieces and leading a side over the next four years and into RWC 2015, where expectation will be greater than ever.

Here is a great video going round at the moment - does not feel like 10 years since some of these tries! Enjoy!!

Andy

England's Chris Cracknell talks sevens

Many of us will spend the next month complaining about the days getting shorter, watching John Lewis adverts and piling on the winter pounds, but for the top Sevens players in the world it involves two weeks in Australia, a week in Dubai and a week in South Africa. Not that I’m bitter but I do hear it’s raining on the Gold Coast.

As we approach the first weekend of the HSBC Sevens World Series, I got in touch with England Sevens stalwart Chris Cracknell to get the inside track out in Australia as well as hearing a few of his opinions on what to expect this series.

Chris Cracknell in action

I ask Chris what the team will work on in the week’s build up to a tournament – “mainly ironing things out on the rugby pitch”.  There is also a focus on the teams that England will face in the pool stage – working on ways in which they can overcome these initial challenges. “We are fortunate that, now we are full time, a lot of the hard graft has been done. This means we can concentrate on specific areas for that week and teams we will meet in the pool stages.” For this tournament England are up against Scotland, Tonga and Wales, who Chris picks out as one to watch this year. “The Wales side are now also full time and will be a tough side to beat”.

I am keen to see who Chris feels may cause a few upsets in the 2011/2012 series. “Spain, who will only be participating in certain tournaments have shown in the summer how good they are”. He is also among the many, including myself, who feel that Portugal could really turn some heads this year. They pipped England to the FIRA European Sevens Grand Prix Series title over the summer and have some extremely quality players. Chris doesn’t want to write anyone off though and feels that we all may know a bit more about the teams after this weekend.

Check out the IRB's top seven tries from the Adelaide sevens last year, including a cheeky one from England's Matt Turner.

I am keen to find out where Chris most enjoys playing on the circuit. “Wellington is amazing and playing in NZ is great because it’s a rugby mad community and they really capture the party atmosphere of 7s”. Playing in front of the home fans at Twickenham also is very special for Chris and he tells me that the support is always “mind blowing”.

There is a lot of buzz about sevens at the moment with its inclusion in the 2014 Commonwealth games in Glasgow and the 2016 Olympics, and although Chris doesn’t think he will be in the picture in 5 years’ time he is happy to see the profile growing year on year. “I’d love more than anything to be there (Rio, 2016), but that will be for the younger talented generation coming through!”

We hope to catch up with Chris later on in the series, which starts this Friday – best of luck to the team out there!

Andy

Fans commitment matched by Wilko

On Friday night we decided to head down to the Stoop and watch the Quins game against Connaught, and having heard about Jonny Wilkinson’s book signing, thought we would tie it in with a trip to HQ to meet the man himself (and get a few books signed for Xmas presents).

The fans turned up in their masses – at least 500 strong at the time that we were waiting outside the rugby store. It’s hard to define a demographic of the crowd – but I’d say that most were between 5 and 80 years old and were either male or female. One young girl was so excited as she sprinted past us, size 2 ball in hand, swallow dived and face planted on the tarmac outside the West Stand – referral to the TMO and the try is awarded. I chatted to a lady behind me whose due date is next week, she seemed more excited about meeting Wilko than her third child.

As we approached Jonny, a nameless male RR colleague summed up the feelings of most people in the room. ”He is a very good looking man”. Rob was right though – dressed in a simple long sleeved t shirt and jeans and sporting a smart new lid, there is no denying that Jonny is in great shape.

I always find it amusing in these situations; where people have waited, 3 hours in some cases, to meet their idol and then they rush it through silently as they are so in awe. A few lads in front of us had been discussing the ways in which they were going to make Jonny laugh, and the questions they were going to ask etc etc… Yet when push came to shove only one of them spoke at all and that was after Jonny asked how they all were.

When we meet with Jonny he greets us with a smile. He signs away while we chat to him about what it is that we do. He shakes our hands – a strong handshake, looks us in the eyes and wishes us all the best – we offer him the same good wishes, although I reckon he will be okay.

We pop off to see Quins win and head back past HQ, where at 10.30pm there is still a queue of hundreds of expectant Jonny fans. An RFU tweet that I read on Saturday morning lets us know that Jonny was signing until 2am, a total of 8 hours of smiling and signing – a nice guy.

The patience showed by the hundreds of fans reflects the kind of commitment that Jonny has been so famous for. Standing for hours out in the cold to get what he wanted.

He has been on the receiving end of some harsh criticism at the low points in his career, but there is no denying that Jonny is a great guy and a true professional. Others could do with taking a small leaf out of his book (excuse the pun)!

I'll leave you with this - I know alot of people prefer the Ntamack hit but i like this one...

Andy

Schoolboy friendships & rivalries are aiding Quins ascent

Welcome to the RugbyRocks blog where I’ll be taking a weekly nose around the world of rugby union.

Back in the amateur days Harlequins built much of their considerable success by recruiting top players and using city connections to secure ‘jobs for the boys’. That strategy derailed overnight as the game turned professional, and the club has struggled for much of the past 15 years – and even faced the indignity of relegation in 2005. Now, after years of patience and investment the club is finding its way again through the recruitment of local talent.

Today, I’ve dropped in on young Harlequins pair Chris York and George Lowe, key members of the table topping Quins, who first met as 13 year olds at Epsom College.

We meet at Surrey Sports Centre, where York hobbles out to meet me in his moon boot, a reminder of the ruptured ankle ligament which has put a temporary halt on his progress. We head home to a three bedroom semi in the leafy suburbs of Guildford, where he lives with Lowe. The house is immaculate and George admits he likes things done a certain way, and that Chris is tidier than he looks!

The duo played together for five years at Epsom College - Lowe captained the school 15-a-side team, while York captained school Sevens side as he does now for Quins – leading them to victory at the Rosslyn Park Floodlight Sevens in May this year.

Here you can see the pair in action as 16 year olds on their way to winning the National School Sevens in 2006: Lowe clearly hasn’t lost any of his pace and from the look of things York can shift as well!!

York is reluctant to comment on his personal  progress this season and attributes the team’s success to trust – saying the senior players are just as confident in the fresh faced Academy recruits as they are in each other.

Other Quins regulars this season, such as Seb Stegmann, Joe Marler, Ross Chisholm and winger Sam Smith, have also come through the academy and EPDG – some from as young as 13.


This season we’ve also seen the emergence of flanker Luke Wallace, man of the match against Northampton and Gloucester already this season, was once a fierce rival throughout school in the Tonbridge back row. York recalls: ‘The Epsom v Tonbridge game was always a real battle, Luke has always been a quality 7, far better having him on my team!’.

These friendships and rivalries go back years and have helped forged bonds upon which Harlequins are building their future. The team are flying on the pitch relying on home-grown talent blended.  There is also harmony at home – provided Yorkie can remember to wash his dishes.

Until next week!

Andy